George Herbert, Anglican Priest and Poet

Over on The Anglo-Catholic blog, I've posted a brief article about George Herbert, which you can read by going here.  "Holy Mr. Herbert," as he came to be known, was an inspired and inspiring poet, and above all, a truly great pastor of souls.  Have a look at the article, and you'll find several links to be of interest.

Some of George Herbert's poems have been set to music, and one of his finest serves as the text of one of our favorite parish hymns, which is sung to the marvellous tune, General Seminary:

King of glory, King of peace,

I will love thee;

and that love may never cease,

I will move thee.

Thou hast granted my request,

thou hast heard me;

thou didst note my working breast,

thou hast spared me.

Wherefore with my utmost art

I will sing thee,

and the cream of all my heart

I will bring thee.

Though my sins against me cried,

thou didst clear me;

and alone, when they replied,

thou didst hear me.

Seven whole days, not one in seven,

I will praise thee;

in my heart, though not in heaven,

I can raise thee.

Small it is, in this poor sort

to enroll thee:

e’en eternity’s too short

to extol thee.

George Herbert, 1633